For many, December is a month of celebrations – of work Christmas parties, family and friend gatherings, and maybe even a holiday if you are lucky – especially with COVID-19 restrictions reducing in NSW over the last few months.
In such a busy time of year, it can be difficult to keep making healthy choices. We know the best gift you can give to your body is a wide variety of nutritious foods, exercising regularly and looking after your mental wellbeing – but how do we juggle that alongside a busy calendar and finishing up the work year? Here’s Nutrition Australia NSW’s top tips:
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Master the balanced grazing board
Move aside chips, cheese and crackers – fill your platters with veggie sticks, dips such as hummus, beetroot or tzatziki, toasted wholemeal pita bread, fruit, and roasted chickpeas or nuts. These snacks will give you lasting energy – plus, your body will thank you for the variety!
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Going to a picnic or buffet-style dinner? Try to fill half your plate with vegetables
Veggies give us super-important fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals – such as the B-group vitamins and potassium we absorb from dark leafy greens to support good energy levels. Having a wide variety of vegetables is also important, as the Australian Guide To Healthy Eating shows us.
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Listen to your body and eat mindfully
Reduce the change of feeling sluggish, bloated “too full” every Christmas party by checking in with your body. Aim for feeling satisfied – comfortably full, and having given yourself enough variety of food that you feel content.
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Aim to do some exercise every day
Set yourself a realistic and enjoyable routine to stay active. Regular exercise can reduce stress levels.
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Check in with yourself on the regular
It’s been a tough year. Take a mental note to check in on your mental health every day. Even a simple “How am I feeling today?” while you are brushing your teeth or driving home, can strengthen your mindfulness-muscle and give you a chance to pause and reflect. If you find that too general, use the below questions to guide you:
“What is not working for me?
“What is working for me?”
“What do I need?”
“What can I let go of?”
Your health is important – and you can stay healthy and well throughout the Holiday and summer season by following our simple tips.
If you give these a go, or have some survival tips of your own, share them with us via Facebook or Instagram and tag us @nutritionaustraliansw
Nutrition Australia NSW is proudly supported by NSW Health.